Braunschweig/Göttingen The Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology is a leading research institute in the field of aerodynamics/aeroacoustics of airplanes and aerothermodynamics of space vehicles. It has two main sites at Braunschweig and Göttingen and has a division at Cologne. 182 Scienttists - the total personal is 267 - are engaged in numerical and experimental investigations on air- and space vehicles. Experiments are performed in wind tunnels and in flight.

Prof.Dr.-Ing. Norbert Kroll and Dr.-Ing. Dieter SchwambornThe C²A²S²E department’s main activity is the development of numerical methods and processes for the multi-disciplinary simulation and optimization of aircraft. In addition to the development of physical models for complex flows and cutting-edge solution algorithms, the department is also active in the development of efficient optimization strategies covering all relevant disciplines, as well as developing surrogate models of higher fidelity methods. The customization of numerical methods for optimal efficiency on high-performance computer clusters is of particular importance to the department. The hybrid flow-solver developed at C²A²S²E is routinely used for a wide range of simulations in both research and industry. The department is also involved in the development of a system for the multi-disciplinary simulation and design of wind turbines.

Dr. Lars Koop
The department of Experimental Methods develops optical and acoustical field measurement techniques for the acquisition of fluid-mechanical and aero-acoustical quantities and applies them mainly in large industrial wind tunnels for aerodynamics.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Wagner
In the Department Fluid Systems, geometrically and physically induced multi-scale problems of fluid mechanics and aero-acoustics are investigated based on numerical simulations and experiments. The aim of the research is to combine modeling with methods used for experimental and analytic-numerical studies of turbulent and / or multiphase flows. Problems of technical applications are thus solved through measurements, computation and the improvement of fluid dynamical systems. The latter are fluid systems in airplanes and, the aircraft cabin as well as the flow in or around systems which are of interest for the transportation, aerospace and energy industry.

Prof. Dr. Markus Raffel und Dr. Thorsten SchwarzThe department helicopter researches the flow physics of rotorcraft flows and develops technologies to increase the flight performance of helicopters and to reduce their noise emission. Additional activities include research for air traffic noise and wind turbines. Numerical and experimental methods are developed and applied.

Prof. Dr. Klaus Hannemann and Dr. Thino EggersIn the Spacecraft Department, the aerothermodynamics of existing and future full or partly re-usable space transportation systems is investigated. The work ranges from the design and the characterization of the considered configurations along the complete flight envelope – from launch to re-entry and landing. The focus of the research is put on the aerothermodynamics of space launch vehicles and their propulsion systems, re-entry flows, hypersonic flight as well as chemical, electrical and hybrid small- and micro thrusters. For the realization of the research activities, the capabilities of the ground based test facilities (High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel Göttingen, HEG, vacuum facilities for chemical and electrical small- and micro thrusters, STG-CT, STG-ET and a test bench for hybrid rocket engines) and the applied diagnostics as well as the numerical tool (DLR TAU code) are continuously advanced.

Dr. Ali GülhanThe ‘Supersonic and Hypersonic Technology Department’ with approx. 35 employees and five wind tunnels is part of the “Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology”. With its facilities, which are partially unique in Europe, the department performs experimental research and contractual work aimed at problem solutions and concept developments for supersonic and hypersonic vehicles.